In today’s world, where false information is easily accessible via the Internet, one of the primary duties of a public administrator is not only the administration of resources but also the careful management of how the public views those resources or their availability. That was clearly demonstrated publicly by Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg, who when addressing any questions regarding fuel supplies in the Kashmir Valley provided a significant amount of statistics to communicate a key message; the surety of reliability of supply, versus offering back up supply.
The data Garg shared should reassure motor fuel users and be reassuring directly for current fuel users and not just for “what if” until delivered. The current LPG inventory will provide approximately 13 days of buffer stock. The amount of petrol, diesel available will provide an estimated 15 days worth of delivery. In an area where the supply chain is a key resource and is affected by seasonal interruptions related to weather or logistics; it is necessary for the public to feel secure regarding buffer stock.
By quantifying amount of reserve, indicating that storage capability for the division will provide fuel supply for up to 20 days, has created a mathematical buffer against potential panic buying. Historical precedent illustrates how people in Kashmir will use fears of shortage to engage in disastrous levels of hoarding and panic buying resulting in shortages even when supply is adequate.
The emphasis of the Div Com’s appeal to the public to rely solely on official updates and refrain from engaging in “panic buying” was possibly the most significant part of his address. It implicitly acknowledges that the stability of the market is as much a question of psychology as of logistics. When shortage rumors become part of the psyche, the invisible hand of the marketplace can turn into a fist which will hit the average consumer the hardest. In addition, clarifying commercial LPG restraints is critical. In complex regulations, regionally-disruptive, highly generalized policies can at times create anxiety locally. By stating that hospitals, schools and consumers are not impacted by these changes, the administration has clearly delineated industrial policy from public well-being to mitigate undue concern for the most vulnerable members of society.
All written assurances must be observed as they are written in reality. The test will not be in the news conference, but in the lines at the filling stations, and the price at the store. The Division Commissioner’s directive to Deputy Commissioners to develop enforcement teams for hoarding and black-market activities is a necessary result of the verbal commitment. The increased market inspections noted must remain consistent so as to prevent exploitation of the celebratory period of Ramadan and Eid.
The responsibility has shifted to the public and to the media to make sure they are good conduits for this information. Accurate information serves as the best stabilizer in an extremely volatile supply/demand environment. The Valley can continue moving forward over the next several weeks with confidence as long as the information provided at press conferences matches what motorists see at their pumps. The panic created by unfounded stories remains.
